Independent Bookstore Day — traditionally the last Saturday of April — also marks the beginning of the season for Babycake's Book Stack, the Twin Cities' roving bookmobile store for children.
This year on Indie Bookstore Day (April 24), Babycake's will be parked at Moon Palace, 3032 S. Minnehaha Av., Mpls., between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. They'll have special merchandise, author readings and book signings, live music, giveaways and guest appearances, all under a big outdoor tent.
Yes, wear a mask and, yes, definitely practice social distancing, but also hope for good weather because Babycake's isn't the only bookstore planning outdoor events this year.
Red Balloon, SubText, Birchbark and Wild Rumpus are among other local indies planning to celebrate in the out-of-doors.
How do you acknowledge Independent Bookstore Day when we're still essentially in lockdown? Last year, at the beginning of the COVID-19 upheaval, Indie Bookstore Day was moved to August, with the hope that things would be normal by then.
Well, they weren't. So the August Indie Bookstore Day was a low-key affair, with hopes for spring. And now it is spring, and while we are getting vaccinated as fast as we can, a lot of bookstores still have limited hours, limited customers, or are closed entirely.
But Indie Bookstore Day prevails! (Masks required.)
This year, as in years past, you can pick up a passport at any participating bookstore (see the list at the Rain Taxi webpage, bit.ly/3d1NNaX). Get it stamped at each store you visit to activate special offers and coupons.
